GRIMES @ MANCHESTER RITZ 30/08/12

I first discovered Grimes whilst looking through an ‘Underachievers please try harder’ set list a few months ago. I very rarely listen to electronic music, and this club night very rarely plays it. Yet two weeks after listening to her for the first time I was buying the tickets to see her perform live.  This incredibly talented and likeable girl from Vancouver has produced a very special kind of music that I think a lot more people will start listening to over the coming months. Dreamy, lively and poetic sounds are combined beautifully in her latest album ‘Visions’, released earlier this year. This is the album that featured most prominently in her live set.

The gig was moved to The Ritz from Sound Control due to higher than expected demand for tickets, as I say this is someone who is rapidly being discovered by many people as one of the most exciting artists around today. I’m not sure she’d ever make the mainstream, because, well, she’s too good. It seems to me for a new artist to break through to being well-known these days; they’ve got to conform to a very narrow and unoriginal formula. It’s always been like this to an extent, but it’s definitely got worse as times gone on.

Grimes finally came on stage at 10; I heard they had to delay it once again due to higher than expected numbers on the night. As soon as she introduced herself it became obvious that her natural voice is as innocently high pitched as her singing. She moved through her first few numbers just with her one member of her backing on stage with her Each of them were operating mixing desks. She quickly switched between dials, buttons and decks to play her songs, also checking the levels on headphones and finding time to lose herself in the music which was a joy to watch. It was all very impressive, and that doesn’t even cover the range of her vocals. To be so busy managing all the components of her greatly varied and changeable songs – and still be able to sing in her incredible voice on top of that was amazing to see.

She was joined on stage later by two dancers, with at least one of whom had a ‘gothic’ look to them. I think the whole gothic theme is a bit silly to be honest, I don’t see how it actually fits in with Grimes as a person or her music – but then maybe it was more relevant to her earlier albums that I’m not as familiar with. The cover of her latest album looks like some kind of death metal creation, but her music couldn’t be further from that in reality.

Her thrilling set was an hour in total, maybe a little short but it was a great performance. I left with a real feeling of affection for her, she’s very talented but she’s not arrogant about it like too many others in the music industry are. I’d recommend her music to anyone, you won’t have heard anything like it before, and it’s hard not to be uplifted by its great blend of danceable rhythms, classical melodies and liberating vocals.

Words by Chris Ashworth

BRITAIN - SHOW US YOUR HITS!

A Closing Ceremony of Epic Musical Proportions

So after 17 days of more highs than lows for team GB it was time to sign off in style and if anyone doubted how mad as a box of frogs Britain was that point was surely made clear in the lavish opening ceremony.

The closing ceremony gave Britain a chance to show that British music and culture is and has always been in fine fettle and for a large part this was displayed. Although following some kind of narrative prior to all the major stars entering the British flag motif styled stage showing the return to a bustling London scene from a sporting setting courtesy of the rhythmic ensemble Stomp who were raucous and brilliant.

The music proceeded to move through the decades taking in the Beatles, Rolling Stones and David Bowie, Madness- inspired, through to today with George Michael and Pet Shop Boys who were good but as glamorous and camp as ever, Blur, One Direction? and Take That which was an obvious inclusion as the creative director masterminded ‘The Circus’ although it was nice to see Mr Barlow getting on with his day job despite his recent tragedy.

Too many highlights to pick from with Bowie singing Fashion in the background whilst supermodels were carted around – brilliant. You couldn’t help but be moved by a deaf rendition of Imagine complete with sculpture of John Lennon.

The much heralded return of the Spice Girls wasn’t actually too bad arriving in London cabs – somehow their songs actually sounded good and their performance was not without its laughs with Victoria hanging on for dear life – the poor dear!

At times in the show I turned to members of the older generation who looked a little puzzled as to who some of the new acts were but this was a show that had something for everyone.

The problem was it was sometimes the non-linear style that disrupted the spectacle.

Was there any point in having award ceremonies between the acts, best to do that at the end or at the beginning surely.

Was there any requirement for below average Leeds band to do an gawd-awful cover of The Who’s pinball wizard - when they were quite capable of doing it themselves, Who even cares about Kaisers now?

One Direction was as predictable as they come with their squeaky voices and didn’t really make sense in the whole scheme of things-just provided another example of Syco's hold on the industry.

I spotted early on a drum kit with Beady Eye and wondered why they were performing surely brother Noel’s band are the most popular and then came a half hearted version of Wonderwall which despite being shoddy united the spectators in song – no denying what an anthem it is but Liam G didn’t really look like he was bothered – it’s the Olympics closing ceremony for goodness sake – enjoy yourself!

Sounds of the Sex pistols was great complete with bouncing punks – shame they didn’t play God Save the Queen – would love to have seen her majesty’s face – oh wait she wasn’t even there!

 Probably still skydiving with James Bond.

Russell Brand might not be everyone’s favourite but he contributed well to his Beatles section even throwing in a Mobot - everyone loves one of them.

Fatboy Slim and the octopus showed what a DJ supremo and total Legend the man is.

Whatever people may say Jessie J wasn’t really so great, yes she can relate to an audience and one can understand why price tag does the trick with its message of love and unity blah blah but just makes you wish another Jessie (Ware) was there and then dueting with Queen throwing air guitar shapes – shameful- just became karaoke.

Tiao Cruz was safe but Tinie Tempah looked a little star-struck.

There were rumours that members of Pink Floyd were going to collaborate with Ed Sheeran and I hope that this wasn’t the case but there he was attempting to sing ‘Wish You Were Here’ the best part of the song was the Prism and the burning man – Genius

Positioning rock superstars Muse before Queen was brilliant and showed how indebted they were to Queen for their style.

What about that guitar solo from Guitar Virtuoso Brian May that was quite something.

Eric Idle(that’s Monty Python for the young ones) – was brilliant with his ‘Always Look on Bright Side of Life’ combined with Bollywood dancers and didn’t even take over the comedic value of Rowan Atkinson at the opening ceremony.

Brazil showed us what to expect with a colourful mix of samba and song expect something spectacular in 2016 from them.

Standout performer was Emilie Sande who with her raw talent really showed what she was capable of and of course The Who were pretty good as the final act.

There was undeniably a fantastic array of talent on display and this was obviously Britain’s opportunity to show off the quality of their music and that they know how to put on a show with a bit of a dance from Boris- you've gotta love him. The problem was it was overlong and whilst there were some star performers there were some obvious inclusions and some who didn’t really care too much for the occasion they just wanted the harmless self-promotion that the ceremony gave them.

On a sombre note having been cynical about the Olympics prior to the events thinking probably like others that it was a complete waste of money and time. I will miss the games.I found myself captivated by the many triumphs and tears and it was easy to forget all the negatives and focus on what makes Britain great.

What did you think, Was it the best Olympics ever? Did Britain do itself proud?

With 65 medals (29 Gold) a Bolt and a Mobot the Olympics really delivered and Team GB did us proud so roll on Rio!

Check out some of the photos of the show below:-

              

Girls Do It Better

Over the past few months there’s been quite a few new releases from male artists and groups. Whilst there have been some good efforts from the likes of Odd Futures's Frank Ocean, Richard Hawley and Plan B, there hasn't been too much happening on the female front.

That’s about to change though with a number of female artists and bands that are coming to the fore and are proving that Girl Power is still very much alive and well and that Girls do it better.. Rock that is!

Here are a few British and American artists/bands set to make their mark.

Enjoy J

1  Savages

They have been compared to Joy Division and Siouxie and the Banshees so they already have a high bar to reach but this post punk all girl band from London more than justify the hype with their riotous mix of punk and visceral rock. Their sound is a ‘take no prisoners’ noise that only really needs be heard to be believed.

Signature track ‘Husbands’ rides on frenetic rhythms and throbbing bass as Siouxie like-vocals ring out over some slashing guitar noises building to a climax of epic proportions over screams that leaves you breathless. ‘Flying to Berlin’ is a more poppy number but no less brilliant with its sky-scraping guitar and quivering vocals.

 The fact that they sold out Manchester’s Deaf Institute recently shows how much Savages are acclaimed. They are set for bigger things and the best thing about is its a band of Brits, chalk up another for Team GB in the talent stakes.

Check out their website/Facebook for more info.

Husbands and Flying to Berlin are available below.

http://soundcloud.com/pop-noire-radio/savages-husbands

http://soundcloud.com/pop-noire-radio/flying-to-berlin

2   Jessie Ware

 While one Jessie sheds her Indie credibility and reverts to type joining the likes of Guetta and TV fodder,The Voice, another is staking a strong claim for her Indie crown.

She has been referred to as the Sade of UK bass which gives you an idea of how well she is regarded in the blogosphere. Having cut her musical chops as a backing singer with South London Producer SBTRKT  the south London singer songwriter like Katy B came from London underground dubstep and grime station Rinse FM.

Jessie Ware follows Katy B towards the limelight. Unlike Katy B she has a more lo-fi feel and soul vocal with more of a lavish production. Key track 110% beautifully showcases her stunning vocals along with a sparse but brilliant dubstep production. ’Running’ her previous single is sultry and breathtaking with the full extent of her flexible vocal and songwriting on show and one listen to new track ‘Wildest Moments’ its clear why she is Britain’s next great female hope.

Her album ‘Devotion’ is out later this month and she is due to tour the UK in November the year. She will be hitting Manchester’s Sound Control on Nov 8^th so be sure to check her out then.

You can check out her brilliant smash ‘110%’ below.

http://soundcloud.com/jessieware/jessie-ware-110-1

For more info check out her Facebook/website

3  Charli XCX

'We need to reboot British girl power but with edge' is what 19 year old, Charlotte Aitchison AKA CharliXCX is quoted as saying on her Facebook page which could be seen as a bit of a pretentious statement from a teenager who may have once like others been a fan of girl bands but having released a debut album at 14 and become a hit on the hackney rave scene with her gothy electro sounds she might just be the one to inject the music scene with some attitude.

At times she may sound a little like Ladyhawke and Marina but that is not a criticism as she has a boundless energy and talent in spades and her carefreeness easily wins out against the latter.

Just take a listen to her mixtape ‘Heartbreaks and Earthquakes’ complete with Kill Bill audioclips which is available if you sign up for her mailing list (hint hint) and prepare to be astounded by her musical nous. 

Her vibrant energetic industrial pop is dark and infectious but her new single ‘You’re the One’ could easily be the best track with its towering glammy backing, infectious melody and energetic vocal.

Girl Power is on the rise again headed by CharliXCX she will be packing out those stadiums soon but she’s doing it all her way.

Check out her website for tour info and for a free download of the brilliant mixtape

You’re the One is out Aug but you can check out the ace video below

4  Haim

Haim is comprised of three sisters from sunny California who with their unusual but infectious mix of R&B and folk rock are making waves over the Atlantic. Shut your eyes and one listen to the upbeat dancey ‘Forever’ and your back at the school disco throwing shapes, the chorus sounds a little like the 90s melody from Donna Lewis’s "I love you always forever". Remember Her? This isn’t such a bad thing as it’s the sweet vocals and harmonies and slashes of guitar that make the song unique as well as the gritty lyrics.

The other two songs on their Forever EP show that the girls aren’t one trick ponies as they show off the full extent with ‘Better Off’ starting off with accapella and close harmonies followed by an irresistible hip hop beat.’Go Slow’ is a more mellow type of tune whilst maybe not too radio friendly with its coarse language but its no less interesting with its folky vocals and electronic beats.

It might have you go digging for those Wilson Philips and Fleetwood Mac albums but Haim are breathing new life into the folk genre and are set to be huge

You can see their video for 'Forever' below

For more info check out their Facebook page 

5 Jezzy & the Belles

Last but not least, here is yet another reason, why New York is still a hotbed for talent. Brooklyn born Singer Songwriter Jessica Eisenberg has been quietly crafting lush electronic folk in the vein of fellow New Yorkers. Blonde Redhead and our very own Massive Attack but the understated dreamy production provided by her band ‘the Belles’ perfectly compliments her sweet vocals. ‘By Proxy’ draws you in with its gentle strumming and delicate vocals which gradually builds to an arresting listen. ‘Confess Child’ changes tack with its trip hop production and sombre brass accompaniment along with wistful vocals which makes for a captivating listen.

With such musical talent and this many ideas it’s extremely hard to resist her charms.

No plans for a UK tour yet but she is touring America and has released an album recently in the States ‘Compasses & Maps’ is available to download from the website below and on Soundcloud

 http://jezzyandthebelles.bandcamp.com/album/jezzy-the-belles

You can check out the dazzling video for recent single 'Confess Child' below

Little Voice Makes Big Impact

Lianne La Havas

What is it with all these female singer-songwriters and their posh names.We’ve had the dark romanticism of Lana del Rey and the gothic folk of Kyla La Grange and now we have another new act who is about to buck that trend.

Enter Londoner Lianne la havas who has been championed by Paloma Faith and has even rubbed shoulders with rock royalty – Prince.


Lianne has toured with the likes of Bon Iver and Bombay Bicycle Club but is now ready to make a splash all on her own.

Le havas has one of the most original soul vocals since Adele but doesn’t stay within a particular genre as she incorporates elements of folk,indie and jazz into her music and has a refreshingly honest and restrained take on music.

In these times where it is the big female voices that rule its easy for the weak to be left out in the cold but one listen to the gorgeous ‘Lost and Found’ could melt even the most skeptic of hearts whilst ‘Forget’ straddles folk and soul brilliantly without even trying to sound epic.


It’s the delicate vocals and ornate instrumentation that makes Le Havas such a striking talent and one to while away sunny afternoons to.

She comes to Manchester in October so be sure to check her out then.      

Is your Love Big Enough? is out now on Warner Music

For more info check out her soundcloud,facebook or website 
www.liannelahavas.com

http://soundcloud.com/liannelahavas/

Check out the stunning video for 'Lost and Found' below